The British comedian will take the reigns as host when the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards air live [article id="1589803"]from Los Angeles[/article] on September 7.

Brand's big Stateside break came earlier this year, in his scene-stealing role as Brit rocker Aldous Snow [article id="1585823"]in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."[/article] He [article id="1588242"]recently did some standup work[/article] in Los Angeles, and next up he'll star alongside Adam Sandler in "Bedtime Stories."

"I am proud to be hosting the MTV VMAs," Brand said. "I'm going to celebrate by doing lesbian kisses with both Britney and Madonna, and I'll be giving Michael Jackson a special award to celebrate his birthday — which, coincidentally, is also a lesbian kiss."

He may be new to U.S. audiences, but Brand's a major comedy star in his native England, building a following with his stand-up and parlaying that success to various hosting and acting gigs. He's also found success as an author, columnist and radio host.

The VMA stint won't be Brand's first MTV paycheck — he's hosted various shows on MTV UK over the years. He's also played big stages before, hosting the Brit Awards in 2007 and the NME Awards in 2006, and appearing at the UK leg of the Live Earth concerts at London's Wembley Stadium.